U.S. Representatives Congratulate President Chen and Vice-President Lu On Eve Of Inauguration

In a letter dated May 19, 55 members of the U.S. House of Representatives -led by Congressional Taiwan Caucus co-chairs Steve Chabot (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH)- congratulate Taiwan’s President Chen Shui-bian and Vice President Annette Lu with their March 20 reelection.

The Representatives write: “We write to congratulate you on your election as President of Taiwan and the people of Taiwan for their historic vote to strengthen democracy in Taiwan.”

They affirm their support for Taiwan: “Congress and the American people remain unequivocally committed in their support for the people of Taiwan, and it is important that we highlight this momentous occasion and the unbreakable bond between our two peoples.”

In the letter, the Representatives also issue a warning to Beijing: “We strongly believe that continued statements coming from Beijing threatening to use force against Taiwan are unacceptable.”

They conclude: “Please know that although we seek first and foremost to promote peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, the United States is committed to ensuring that the future of Taiwan be determined peacefully by the people of Taiwan and free from outside threats, intimidation, or interference.”

FAPA President Ming-chi Wu, Ph.D. states: “Not only does this letter congratulate President Chen and Vice President Lu with their reelection victory, it also affirms United States Congress’ firm support for the people of Taiwan and praises them for their deepening of Taiwan’s democracy. And most importantly, it affirms policy recommendations for the U.S.-Taiwan relationship and the cross-strait relationship.”

Wu continues, “The vision Congress holds for the U.S.-Taiwan relationship and the cross-Strait relationship is clearly based on the precondition that Taiwan is an independent, sovereign and democratic country. It is good to know that this vision -as illustrated in this letter- overlaps with the vision and the policies President Chen has for Taiwan.”